Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Easterseals Crossroads provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to support students with meaningful career planning and guidance as they transition from high school to adulthood. Our goal is to empower students by offering individualized, strength-based services that foster personal growth, workplace readiness, and greater independence.
Pre-ETS is a statewide initiative that began in October 2016 as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This federal legislation requires Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to dedicate funding to Pre-ETS to assist students with disabilities explore career paths, build job skills, and prepare for life after graduation. Eligible students are ages 14 through 22 who have an IEP, 504 Plan, or other documentation substantiating a disability.
Pre-ETS provides services in the following five areas:
• Job Exploration Counseling
• Work-Based Learning Experiences
• Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Options
• Workplace Readiness Training
• Instruction in Self-Advocacy
Services are typically provided at school during the day, often during non-academic periods such as study hall or resource time. Pre-ETS can also take place in the community and is especially beneficial during school breaks. We partner with local employers to offer opportunities such as job tours, job shadows, and short-term work experiences, helping students apply what they learn in real-world settings.
Currently, Easterseals Crossroads provides school based Pre-ETS in the following Indiana counties: Hamilton, Hancock, Johnson, and Marion.
Community Hospital Internship Program for Students (CHIPS)
(CHIPS). Hosted at Community Hospital South, CHIPS is designed for high school students with disabilities who are interested in developing real-world job skills while continuing to explore career interests, build self-advocacy, and learn about postsecondary education options.
CHIPS is a school-year-long program where students rotate through a variety of hospital departments while receiving ongoing support from an Easterseals Crossroads Career Coach. The program is structured to help students build transferable job skills, increase confidence, and enhance workplace readiness in a professional environment.
CHIPS is available to students ages 18–22 with a documented disability who are eligible or potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.
For information on Easterseals Crossroads Pre-ETS programs, please contact us.
For more information on CHIPS please view the following video produced by Community Health Network: C.H.I.P.S. Program – Community Health Network.
